The UAE passport is currently considered one of the most powerful in the world. As a UAE resident with an Emirati passport, you are privileged to benefit from visa-free or visa-on-arrival arrangements with many countries and, therefore, enjoy enormous traveling flexibility. In this blog, I will detail the visa-free destinations, eVisa requirements, and other travel-related details to make your planning seamless.
Visa-Free Countries for Emirati Passport Holders
Benefits of Visa-Free Travel
- Convenience: No visa is required to avail of this service.
- Cost-Effective: Save money on visa fees.
- Time-Saving: Skip lengthy application processes.
Here is the detailed list of countries you can travel to without a visa and the duration of stay permitted:
Countries Allowing 90-Day Visa-Free Stay
- Albania
- Andorra
- Argentina
- Austria
- Azerbaijan
- Bahamas
- Belgium
- Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Botswana
- Brazil
- Bulgaria
- Chad
- Chile
- Colombia
- Costa Rica
- Croatia
- Czechia
- Denmark
- Dominican Republic
- Ecuador
- Estonia
- Finland
- France
- Germany
- Greece
- Grenada
- Guatemala
- Honduras
- Hungary
- Iceland
- Ireland
- Israel
- Italy
- Jordan
- Latvia
- Liechtenstein
- Lithuania
- Luxembourg
- Malta
- Mauritius
- Mexico
- Moldova
- Monaco
- Montenegro
- Morocco
- Netherlands
- North Macedonia
- Norway
- Panama
- Paraguay
- Peru
- Poland
- Portugal
- Romania
- Russia
- San Marino
- Serbia
- Slovakia
- Slovenia
- South Africa
- South Korea
- Spain
- Sweden
- Switzerland
- Tunisia
- Turkey
- Ukraine
- Uruguay
Countries Allowing 30-Day Visa-Free Stay
- Angola
- Brunei
- China
- Hong Kong
- Japan
- Kazakhstan
- Kiribati
- Mozambique
- Niue
- Philippines
- Singapore
- Solomon Islands
- Uzbekistan
Countries Allowing Other Visa-Free Stays
- Dominica (21 days)
- Fiji (4 months)
- Georgia (360 days)
- Micronesia (30 days)
- Nauru (30 days)
- Saint Lucia (60 days)
- São Tomé and Príncipe (15 days)
Freedom of Movement Countries
The following countries allow Emirati passport holders freedom of movement. You only need your ID card to enter:
- Bahrain
- Kuwait
- Oman
- Qatar
- Saudi Arabia
Read Also: Easy Bahrain Visa Application: UAE Residents
eVisa Requirements for UAE Residents
There are several nations that UAE citizens must obtain an eVisa to visit upon arrival. The procedure, however, is quite ordinary, what is needed is to have all documents ready before they are submitted to the system. Below are the countries requiring eVisas:
eVisa Countries
- Angola
- Benin
- Bhutan
- Canada
- Cameroon
- Democratic Republic of the Congo
- India
- Ivory Coast
- Djibouti
- Ethiopia
- Gabon
- Guinea
- Iran
- Kenya
- Lesotho
- Malawi
- Montserrat
- Nigeria
- South Sudan
- Taiwan
- Tajikistan
- Togo
- Uganda
- United Kingdom
- Vietnam
- New Zealand
Steps to Apply for an eVisa
- Visit the official eVisa portal of the country.
- Fill out the online application
- A scanned copy of the passport and photograph are required which needs to be uploaded.
- Pay the visa fee online.
- Receive the visa via email.
Visa-On-Arrival Destinations
Visa-on-arrival offers flexibility as you obtain your visa at the airport upon arrival. Here’s a list of countries providing this option:
- Bangladesh
- Bolivia
- Burundi
- Cambodia
- Cabo Verde
- Comoros
- Republic of the Congo
- Equatorial Guinea
- Guinea-Bissau
- Indonesia
- Iraq
- Laos
- Macau
- Madagascar
- Maldives
- Marshall Islands
- Mauritania
- Mongolia
- Namibia
- Nepal
- Palau
- Rwanda
- Senegal
- Sierra Leone
- Somalia
- Sri Lanka
- Tanzania
- Timor-Leste
- Tuvalu
- Yemen
- Zimbabwe
Tips for Visa-On-Arrival
- Documents: Take your travel documents, passport, return ticket, and proof of accommodation.
- Fees: Have cash in the required currency for visa fees.
- Time: Travelers should expect to spend some time at immigration upon arrival.
Countries Requiring a Visa from the Embassy
All the destinations allow visitors to access the country either visa-free or visa on arrival except few countries that require an Emirati passport holder to acquire a visa from the national embassy. These include:
- Australia
- China
- United States of America
How to Apply for an Embassy Visa
- Schedule an appointment at the embassy or consulate.
- Prepare required documents: application form, passport, photos, and travel itinerary.
- Attend the visa interview, if necessary.
- Wait for the processing period, which varies by country.
Read Also: Easy Kazakhstan Visa Application: UAE Residents
Final Words
The Emirati passport holder, living in UAE, will be able to visit many countries either without a visa or upon arrival in the country. They range from neighboring countries of the Gulf to tropical island nations across waters. If you are on the lookout for fun, business, or culture shaker, understanding what you have as a right makes the world of traveling a less complicated one.
Always ensure you check the latest travel advisories and visa requirements for your chosen destination to avoid surprises. With proper planning, your travel experiences can be smooth, enjoyable, and unforgettable.
